Principles of Geometry

Abstract

THE book under review is the sixth volume of the “Principles of Geometry” by Prof. H. F. Baker, of St. John's College, Cambridge. As expository treatises of algebraic geometry, these six volumes occupy an unrivalled position within their own field, viewed from the aspect of international scholarship. They begin from the elements of the subject and carry the development forward with a majestic sweep that is without parallel in any other language. A great deal of the subject-matter is abstract, but the author never fails to adduce concrete examples and theorems, so that the faith of the weak is strengthened while that of the strong is never allowed to reach into regions of nebulousness. Prof. Baker is indeed to be congratulated on collecting and correlating this vast field of geometric theory, so that every well-trained mathematician, whether a professional geometer or not, can share in the triumphs and apprehend the conquests of those who make geometrical research their main object in life.

Principles of Geometry.

By Prof. H. F. Baker. Vol. 6: Introduction to the Theory of Algebraic Surfaces and Higher Loci. Pp. ix + 308. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1933.) 17s. 6d. net.